Battery storage facility to be debated at council meeting

The proposed battery facility would be on Dog Trap Lane near Minety

An application for a battery-storage facility in Wiltshire is to be discussed on Wednesday.

HB222BRI Ltd has applied to build batteries housed in containers on land off Dog Trap Lane near Minety.

This application is one of 11 proposals for similar sites in the area.

The area has seen numerous applications for energy-based projects in recent years according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

This includes the installation of the largest storage battery in Europe and approved plans for the Minety Solar Farm, which will generate enough renewable power for 15,000 homes.

In February, proposals for battery storage facilities near Ravensbrook Farm and Somerford Farm were refused after residents attended the planning meeting to campaign against it.

Wiltshire Council's case officer for the application has recommended councillors approve the scheme.

Councillor Chuck Berry, who represents the division, called for the application to be reviewed over the scale of the development and the impact on adjoining properties.

He has requested the “cumulative impact” of the surrounding proposals be considered by the committee.

Wiltshire Council's Northern Area Planning Committee will debate the plans at its next meeting on 22 May.